Question 1

What paperwork and evidence do we need to supply you?

Accepted Answer

You will need to provide your celebrant with the originals of your Passport OR Your birth certificate and driver's licence. If you have been married before, you will need to provide either your divorce certificate or, if your spouse has passed away, their death certificate

Question 2

What legal documentation is required to be completed?

Accepted Answer

You will lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage form, known as the NOIM, with your celebrant between one month and 18 months prior to your wedding date.

Before your ceremony commences, you will sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage. This is usually done at a rehearsal or as close to the wedding date as possible or signed prior to the ceremony commencing.

After the ceremony, together with two witnesses over the age of 18, you will sign two copies of the Official Certificate of Marriage and a Form 15 Certificate of Marriage (this is the one you get to keep on the day).

Question 3

What documentation should our celebrant provide us?

Accepted Answer

Your celebrant should provide you with a copy of the Happily ever… before and after brochure that outlines information for couples planning to marry. They should also provide you with information on how to Complain about a marriage celebrant and the celebrant's code of practice.

Question 4

What if one of our divorces isn't finalised yet?

Accepted Answer

You are still able to lodge your NOIM with your celebrant, but it will be lodged as divorce pending. You will need to provide a copy of your Divorce Certificate prior to your marriage taking place.

Question 5

What if we live overseas?

Accepted Answer

The only special requirements for international couples getting married in Australia, is that the Notice of Intent to Marriage (NOIM)​ must be signed in the presence of an authorised witness before being lodged with your chosen celebrant.

The NOIM states that:
The NOIM must be signed in the presence of an authorised witness. Persons who are authorised to witness the NOIM are an Australian Consular Officer, an Australian Diplomatic Officer, a notary public, an employee of the Commonwealth authorised under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955, or an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under paragraph 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955. Note: For the definitions of Australian Consular Officer and Australian Diplomatic Officer, see section 2 of the Consular Fees Act 1955.

You will need to ring your closest Australian embassy to make an appointment to sign your NOIM, alternatively, you are able to sign your NOIM remotely under the observation of an overseas authorised witness by ringing and making an appointment to sign remotely with them.

Once you have your NOIM witnessed, you will email this to your chosen celebrant. This becomes the "lodgement date" and it must be done between one month and 18 months before your wedding date. So for example a 10 January 2026 wedding, the NOIM must be lodged by email to your celebrant no later than 10 December 2025.

Question 6

What time should we put on our invites?

Accepted Answer

I always suggest to my couples 30 minutes prior to the ceremony time. This gives your guests time to arrive, freshen up and be at the ceremony space for the required start time. So for example if you are having 3.30pm ceremony, you would put 3.00pm arrival for 3.30pm ceremony. Or if you have regular "late comers", just put 3.00pm ;)

Question 7

How many meetings will we have?

Accepted Answer

Generally 1-3 meetings, but this is totally optional. I have instances where I haven't met my couple until the day.

Note: all meetings can be done via Video - I get it, we are all busy so my aim is to make this as easy as possible with limited disruption's for you.

Example timeline:
1. Obligation Free Meeting to ensure that we vibe and an opportunity for us to meet prior to you making a decision.
2. NOIM meeting where sign the Notice of Intended Marriage form. (Video signing currently on hold from 31 December 2023 pending updated legislation)
3. Planning meeting
4. Rehearsal

Question 8

How will you personalise our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

All of my clients get "homework" aka a personal journey questionnaire (and you get date night to complete it 😉)
I then incorporate ideas and notes from our meetings and your answers into your personalised ceremony script.

Question 9

Will you help us with writing our wedding vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, all of my clients get vow-writing guidance and sessions (if required). Vows are my jam - and I absolutely loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee when my couples write their own vows, even better when they keep them secret AND Ninja Vows - have you checked those out? For more information check out Writing Epic Wedding Vows and Ninja Vows. As my client, you also receive FREE access to my Epic Wedding Vow Writing Course 😉

Question 10

Can we include rituals or readings?

Accepted Answer

Of course, but please, only include these if they are sentimental to you and not "just because". If you would like something unique to you I can definitely assist with this. Check out my Lego Unity Ceremony that I wrote for one of my couples and their boys.

Question 11

Can we include loved ones in our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

1000% yes, we can even honour those that can't be with you on the day, or your loved ones that have passed on with a short and sweet memorial verse. I promise this isn't morbid, and I am happy to share with you how I deliver this in our meeting.

Here is an example:

Though we cannot see you, we know you are here. Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives.

Question 12

What if we need to change our wedding date or time?

Accepted Answer

All requests will be required in writing and I will absolutely accommodate you where I can. If I can't, I will work with you to find a suitable replacement celebrant.

Question 13

What happens if we cancel or postpone our wedding?

Accepted Answer

As above, if you need to postpone your date, I will work with you to find a new date. If you cancel your wedding, the non-refundable booking fee is forfeited. Balance of fee will be depending on the work assigned to your ceremony. Please refer to your Client Agreement.

Question 14

Do we need a backup plan?

Accepted Answer

We can't control mother nature, so I always suggest a backup plan. This might look very different depending on the situation. We'll work together on this closer to the date.

Question 15

Do you have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes!!!!!!

Question 16

Are you LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Accepted Answer

I can't believe I even need to put this one in here. Love is Love baby! If you can legally get married, love each other, and we are the right vibe for each other, I will #hitchedwithlove the heck outa you!

Question 17

How do we communicate with you?

Accepted Answer

My preference is email, but I am happy to work with your requests. In order to provide you with the absolute best service I possibly can, I have set up a link where you can schedule a call, office meeting or video call directly. You can do that here.

Question 18

How many weddings do you book a day?

Accepted Answer

One wedding a day :) There has been the very rare occasion where I have also performed a legals only ceremony in the same day, but both couples are informed and I would never book myself unless the logistics work. Just ask hubby, I won't even go and get milk on the morning of a wedding, just incase ;)

Question 19

Is your price negotiable?

Accepted Answer

I understand your big day, is a big deal and you're paying a lot of money for a lot of things! However, my price is a reflection of the service, time, heart and soul, energy, and all "the things" that I bring to the party - before, during and after your ceremony😉 I don't negotiate on my fee, because I don't negotiate on my service.

Question 20

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

40% non-refundable deposit to lock your date in and to cover the preparation of all legal documentation and planning requirements. 40% due 6 months prior to your ceremony to cover additional resources and time that I have spent preparing for your day. The 20% balance is required 6 weeks prior to your big day. If you require a payment plan, please reach out.

Question 21

Do you have a refund policy?

Accepted Answer

This will be outlined in the Client Agreement. Due to the nature of celebrant work and the amount of time spent on your wedding before your big day, this may not be possible.

Question 22

Do we have to have a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. I am legally obliged to offer you one, but more and more couples are opting not to have one. I understand how busy it can get the closer it is to wedding day, so I won't "make" you have one. Generally a phone call or video call is sufficient in most instances. I like to finalise all of your wedding details two weeks prior to ensure that I have enough time to get printing done and liaise with your other vendors.

Question 23

Will we need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your location, yes. For Moreton Island Weddings and elopements, I will work with you to apply on your behalf.

Question 24

Where can we find reviews on your service?

Accepted Answer

Haven't you stalked those yet? Just kidding. Check out:
Kerri Watkins Celebrant Facebook 
Kerri Watkins Celebrant Google 
Moreton Island Celebrant Facebook 
Moreton Island Celebrant Google

I was also around before Social Media (showing my age here hey) so you can check out other amazing reviews here.

Question 25

What time will you arrive on our wedding day?

Accepted Answer

Legally a celebrant is required to arrive 20 minutes prior to the start time. I'm generally arriving 60 minutes prior to your ceremony time to give myself ample time to set up, meet your amazing vendors and greet your guests as they arrive.

Question 26

What's your top tip for wedding planning?

Accepted Answer

Oooooh I love this! Remember, it is you and your partner's day! Noone elses. Plan your day for YOU! Jason and Bronnie have some great tips on this exact tip if you'd like to check that out here.

My second favourite tip would have to be DATE NIGHT.

Moreton Island's Favourite Celebrant

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